# USB hub

> multiple USB slots in one hub to enhance the number of connectable USB devices

**Wikidata**: [Q850053](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q850053)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hub)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-hub

## Summary
A USB hub is a piece of computer hardware that provides multiple USB slots in one hub to increase the number of USB devices that can be connected. It is categorized as an appliance and a product category, and it is distinct from an ethernet hub.

## Key Facts
- A USB hub is described as “multiple USB slots in one hub to enhance the number of connectable USB devices.”
- USB hub is a subclass of **computer hardware** (physical components of a computer).
- USB hub is an **appliance** and also treated as a **product category**.
- USB hub is **different from** an **ethernet hub**.
- Known aliases include: **Universal Serial Bus Hub**, **USB Hub**, **USB集線器**, **concentrateur USB**, and **usb & firewire hub**.
- The Google Product Taxonomy entry associated with USB hubs is **ID 311**: “Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > USB & FireWire Hubs.”
- The Wikipedia title for the entity is **“USB hub”**, and the Wikimedia Commons category is **“USB hubs.”**
- An example image is available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/2023_Hub_USB_2.0.jpg
- The entity has a recorded sitelink count of **29**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a USB hub used for?
A: A USB hub is used to increase the number of USB devices you can connect by providing multiple USB slots in a single hub. It expands connectivity when a computer has limited USB ports.

### Q: Is a USB hub the same as an ethernet hub?
A: No. A USB hub is explicitly noted as different from an ethernet hub. They are distinct types of hardware used for different connection standards.

### Q: What category of device is a USB hub?
A: A USB hub is classified as computer hardware. It is also described as an appliance and as a product category.

### Q: What are other names for a USB hub?
A: Common aliases include Universal Serial Bus Hub, USB Hub, USB集線器, concentrateur USB, and usb & firewire hub. These refer to the same general type of device.

## Why It Matters
USB hubs matter because they solve a practical limitation of many computers: a limited number of built-in USB ports. By providing multiple USB slots in one hub, a USB hub enables more USB devices to be connected at the same time, improving flexibility for peripherals and accessories. As a form of computer hardware, it plays a supporting role in how people expand and manage device connectivity without changing the computer itself. USB hubs are also recognized as a product category in electronics accessories, reflecting their common use and standardized place in the broader computer components ecosystem. The clear distinction from an ethernet hub helps prevent confusion between USB-based expansion hardware and networking hardware, which serve different purposes and standards.

## Notable For
- Provides **multiple USB slots in one hub** to enhance the number of connectable USB devices.
- Classified under **computer hardware**, indicating it is a physical component used with computers.
- Recognized as both an **appliance** and a **product category**.
- Explicitly identified as **different from an ethernet hub**.
- Listed in Google Product Taxonomy as **ID 311** under “USB & FireWire Hubs.”

## Body
### Definition and Core Function
- A USB hub is defined as a device with **multiple USB slots in one hub**.
- Its purpose is to **enhance the number of connectable USB devices**.

### Classification and Type
- **Subclass of:** computer hardware.
- **Instance of:** appliance; product category.

### Naming and Terminology
- **Primary name:** USB hub.
- **Aliases:** usb & firewire hub; concentrateur USB; Universal Serial Bus Hub; USB Hub; USB集線器.

### Distinctions From Similar Hardware
- **Different from:** ethernet hub.

### Reference and Cataloging Metadata
- **Wikipedia title:** USB hub.
- **Commons category:** USB hubs.
- **Google Product Taxonomy ID:** 311 (“Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > USB & FireWire Hubs”).
- **Example image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/2023_Hub_USB_2.0.jpg

## References

1. Google Product Taxonomy
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)